AnsweringEssential Questions

AboutAssistive Technology

PresentedBy

Ashley L. TremblayNCPS District Assistive Technology Specialist

WHO – is your AT Specialist

Certified Special Education Teacher; specializing in Learning Disabilities

Taught 4-6th grade Math to LD students Instituted 1-to-1 laptops for 4th – 6th grade – in 1999! Masters in Assistive Technology; minor in

Instructional Technology National Assistive Technology Research Institute AT Specialist in 3 states, past 10 years

WHAT– is Assistive Technology

My shortened definition: Any device or service Used to help people with disabilities (IEP/504) Access a task and/or function more 

independently

WHAT– is an AT Device

The Legal Definition - Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 as: Any item, piece of equipment or product 

system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.

(Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))

WHAT– is an AT ServiceAny service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device. The term includes ‐ The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional 

evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;  Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of AT Devices Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, 

repairing, or replacing AT devices;  Coordinating and use other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive 

technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; 

Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. 

(Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(2)) 

WHAT – Are the areas of AT

1. Seating, Positioning and Mobility2. Communication3. Computer Access4. Motor Aspects of Writing5. Composition of Written Material6. Reading7. Mathematics8. Organization9. Recreation & Leisure10. Vision11. Hearing12. General 

WHEN– Should AT be Considered

Any age 3 – 21

By Law, at least at the annual review of an IEP

Or any time the team feels there is a need for a referral

WHAT– Should be Considered for an AT Referral

Is the student having difficulty accessing a task independently and/or functionally?

Has there been a significant change in the curriculum, setting, or other factor that is impacting the student’s access to the curriculum

WHAT– is the AT Referral Process

1. A Referral form is completed by:‐ Case manager (IEP) / Counselor (504)‐ Psychologist‐ OT/PT/SLP

2. A referral can ask for:‐ A full evaluation ‐ A Consultation with student and/or team‐ A request for a specific device after a device has been   used with student and deemed successful.

WHAT– Happens when the referral is submitted

3.  A questionnaire is sent to team

4.  A time is scheduled to meet with the student

5.  AT Specialist meets with student – length of time depends on needs

6.  AT Specialist makes recommendations

7.  Recommendations are discussed with team.

8.  Team finalizes decision on recommendations to be put into action

9.  Student and team training – on‐going as needed

WHERE– is AT Used

In the classroom In the hallways In the lunchroom In the library In town At home Anywhere it is needed

Why – is Assistive Technology Important

Because it helps a student be successful, when otherwise a task may feel impossible

Decreases stress in students, teachers and parents.

Allows students to be more independent.

Tasks we ask students to do

Watch Listen Talk Sit  Sit still Color Write Spell Write a paper

Answer a question Read a novel Read an article Read a textbook Organize Study Remember …and so much more

But…for some students those tasks may feel impossible. . .

HOW– Can Assistive Technology Help

Answers for: Handwriting

Pencil Grips

Special Lined Paper

EchoPen by LiveScribe

iPad 3+ with: PDF Expert, Notability, Pages, & DocScan HD Pro

Answers for: Spelling

Spell Checker

Word Prediction

Dictation

Answers for: Written Expression

Word Processor

Word Prediction

Word banks

Dictation

Prompted writing

Outlines/Webbing

Answers for: Reading

Audio Books

Text‐to‐Speech

Visual highlighting

Text written at a lower level

Larger print

Recorded Text

Answers for: Math

Alternative Paper

Alternative Calculator

Handwriting recognition

Typing

Scrap paper

Answers for: Learning/Studying

Digital Calendar

Digital Reminders

Picture cues / Lists

Study aids

Movement aids

Answers for: Learning/Studying

Organizational Aids

Color Coding

Loose Binder rings

iOS devices

Sensory Aids

Answers for: Vision

Magnifiers

Color paper

Alternative lined paper

iOS devices

Splashtop

Answers for: Communication

iOS Devices

Communication App

Texting

E‐Mailing

FaceTime

Photos

Finally, the Real Reasons WHY I do what I do

Demonstration time